Democrats qualify to run against Bondi and Atwater

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – The former head of Florida's child welfare agency is making his bid for attorney general official. George Sheldon, a former legislator and secretary of the Department of Children and Families, qualified Wednesday to run for the job now held by Republican Pam Bondi.

Sheldon is a Democrat who recently had a position in the Obama administration.

State Rep. Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, is also a candidate, but he has not qualified yet. Thurston and Sheldon would run against each other in the Aug. 26 primary.

Bill Wohlsifer, who is running as a Libertarian in the race for attorney general, has already qualified for the November general election.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater drew a Democratic opponent on Wednesday, as well. He is being challenged by private business consultant Will Rankin.